SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1916, Page 7

SPORTING.

ELIGIBLE A XOX-STARTER, Zealand Cable Associa* tion.—Copyright. Sydney, August 30. Eligible strained his shoulder wnile galloping at Eandwiek, and there is little hope that he will- be able to start at the Eandwiek meeting. OMISSIONS FROM ACCEPTANCES. Marton, August 110. Peach Pie and Merry Jack tvere omitted from the Hunt Cup Steeplechase in the Marton spring meeting acceptances. TARANAIU HUNT CLUB. <Notes by "Motnroa.") A splendid afternoon's racing should attract a large gathering of sporting folk to the local racecourse this afternoon, the occasion of the North Taranaki Hunt Club meeting. Handicapper Geo. Morse did his work with his usual care, and the result is that large fields and interesting racing are assured today. The starting is in the capable hands of Mr. C. O'Connor, and the secretary, Mr. E. L. Humphries, and his assistants have all arrangements complete for a successful gathering. Special trains and excursion fares have been arranged for, and the Citizens' Band will supply the music. Luncheon and tea 1 may be had on the course, and the booth will be in capable hands. , Afternoon tea arrangements at the kiosk will be superintended by Misses L. McAllum and 0. Maekay. The charges for admission are reasonable and a good day's sport should prove a great attraction, file first race starts at 12.15. The chief event, the Hunt Club Steeplechase, has drawn fifteen horses, 60' a good field should line up. Ex- ; petition is reported to bo in good nick, and will probably outstay the opposition. Regio, who scored at. the l'akuranga. Hunt meeting, may lie the elect of backers in the Hunters' Flat Race, though Cornice has shown pace at times. VVarea a»d Cornice have only to sta\-t in the Lepperton Hurdles to provide an Interesting race. The hack events may all be depended upon to occasion spirited iwagering, and Golden Grafton, Bivouac, Pergola. Silver, Web, and Flying Camp may be well supported if they sport ' silk. Now that good stakes are offered by Hunt Clubs a tighter hold on the racing at these gatherings should be taken. We are all familiar with the non-trieiv.aiul the horse "just out for an airing," | hoifee-owners apparently considering that Hunt meetings are run under Rafferty's Rules. We know very well that the Marton meeting is coming on shortly, and that the Wangamii meeting follows, but we don't want to see "sleepers" in the fields to-day. It is much safer to scratch a horse, anyhow! The following is clipped from an exchange. An owner who had fallen into the habit of backing his horse at the wrong time approached his jockey the other day, and the following were his remarks; "I dont want to interfere with your plans," he said humbly; "hut if the trainer is on, and you are on, and all the friends, of both of you are ou, would you mind telling me if the horse is jigging to-day, so I' can go and have a bet?" The horse won that dayl